Gujarati-Style Stirred Cucumber and Peanut Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and crunchy salad combining fresh cucumber with toasted peanuts and a tangy mustard seed dressing. This indian-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, mustard seeds, cumin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 3 Indian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 medium peeled and diced cucumbers with 1/3 cup coarsely crushed roasted peanuts.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, cooking until they begin to pop and release aroma, about 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 small finely chopped green chili to the pan and sauté for 15 seconds until fragrant. Pour this hot tempering immediately over the cucumber and peanut mixture.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp sugar, and 3/4 tsp salt. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gujarati-Style Stirred Cucumber and Peanut Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gujarati-Style Stirred Cucumber and Peanut Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mustard seeds from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gujarati-Style Stirred Cucumber and Peanut Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gujarati-Style Stirred Cucumber and Peanut Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Gujarati-Style Stirred Cucumber and Peanut Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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